Live 1994 Album Showcases Oscar Peterson’s Return and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen’s Prowess
In 1993, jazz piano virtuoso suffered a stroke that weakened his left side and put him out of commission. The musical giant, however, would not be kept down long. He would return to playing the next year. Part of his big return was captured in a new live album called City Lights: The Oscar Peterson Quartet – Live in Munich, 1994.
“Following a year of recovery and rehabilitation, Peterson took the stage in Munich to prove to his collaborators, fans, and himself that the title ‘Maharajah of the Keyboard’ bestowed on him by Duke Ellington still rang true,” a press release explains.
Peterson was joined on stage by guitarist Lorne Lofsky, drummer Martin Drew, and bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. The Danish double bassist had been a member of Peterson’s groups from 1972 to 1987, following the great Ray Brown.
NHØP, who passed away in 2005, was known for his otherworldly chops. However, he put the music first and was a fine accompanist. “He had the most phenomenal technique, coupled with incredible harmonic perception, along with impeccable time,” Peterson would later say of him.
Hear them working together on the title track, “City Lights”:
The bassist does get an entire track to shine on his own, though. “Samba Petite” is an original song he wrote that he takes all over the place including Jaco Pastorius and Bach quotes.
City Lights: The Oscar Peterson Quartet – Live in Munich, 1994 is available now on CD, vinyl, and as a digital download (Apple Music and Amazon Music).
City Lights: The Oscar Peterson Quartet – Live in Munich, 1994 Track List:
- There Will Never Be Another You
- The Gentle Waltz
- Kelly’s Blues
- Love Ballade
- City Lights
- You Look Good To Me
- Samba Petite
- Satin Doll
- Nighttime
